Swedish Citizenship Requirements 2026
Last updated: 2026-05-14 · Source: Migrationsverket, Prop. 2025/26:175
Sweden's parliament has passed a new citizenship law taking effect on 6 June 2026. Requirements have tightened in four areas: residency length, income, conduct, and knowledge of Swedish society. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick overview – all residency thresholds
The standard rule is 8 years, but several exceptions apply depending on your situation.
| Category | Old requirement | New requirement (6 June 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (general) | 5 years | 8 years |
| Married/cohabiting with Swedish citizen (≥5 yrs) | 3 years | 7 years |
| Refugee (convention status) | 4 years | 7 years |
| Stateless person | 4 years | 5 years |
| Nordic citizen (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway) | 2 years | 2 years (unchanged) |
| Child (under 18) | 5 years (included in parent's application) | Separate application (8 yrs, shorter exceptions) |
1. Residency – how long is long enough?
Residency is counted from the day you received a residence permit and registered in Sweden (folkbokföring), not from your date of arrival. Time on temporary residence permits counts toward the total.
“Du som har bott i Sverige under de senaste åtta åren och uppfyller övriga krav kan ansöka om att bli svensk medborgare.”— Migrationsverket, May 2026
Time abroad: Short trips don't interrupt your residency clock. Extended absences — generally more than 6 consecutive months — may reset the count. Migrationsverket makes an overall assessment.
Partner rule: If you have lived with a Swedish citizen for at least 5 years and the relationship has lasted at least 5 years, 7 years of residency is enough. Both conditions must be met simultaneously.
2. Income requirement – SEK 20,850/month
The income floor is new from 6 June 2026. Your income must equal at least three income base amounts (inkomstbasbelopp) per year.
“Du ska kunna försörja dig själv. Din inkomst ska motsvara minst tre inkomstbasbelopp per år och du ska inte ha haft försörjningsstöd de senaste tre åren i mer än sex månader sammanlagt.”— Migrationsverket, May 2026
What counts as income?
- ✓ Employment wages — most common
- ✓ Self-employment income — must be stable, not one-off
- ✓ Freelance/consulting — if regular and documented
- ✗ Unemployment benefit (A-kassa), sick pay, social assistance — don't count
- ✗ Parental leave pay — doesn't count (but doesn't work against you)
The numbers: The income base amount for 2026 is SEK 83,400. Three times that is SEK 250,200 per year, or SEK 20,850 per month gross (before tax).
Social assistance check: Migrationsverket automatically checks with Kronofogden and municipalities whether you have received welfare in the last 3 years. More than 6 months in total may be a disqualifying factor.
3. Conduct – criminal history and debts
Migrationsverket makes an overall assessment of your conduct. It's not just about convictions — fines, debts with Kronofogden, and other violations are also considered.
May be disqualifying
- → Prison sentences
- → Suspended sentences and community service
- → Repeated fines
- → Outstanding debts with Kronofogden
Normally not disqualifying
- → Single, old traffic fines
- → Debts that have been settled
- → Time-barred entries
- → Debts from periods outside Sweden
Migrationsverket automatically requests data from the Police, SÄPO (Security Police), and Kronofogden. A lawyer can assess whether your history is likely to cause problems.
4. Knowledge of Sweden – new from 2026
From 6 June 2026, applicants aged 16–66 must demonstrate knowledge of Swedish society and the Swedish language.
Timeline for test requirements
Civics test (samhällskunskapsprov)
First sitting no later than 17 August 2026. Administered by UHR. Free of charge. You are invited by Migrationsverket — you cannot register yourself.
Language test (postponed)
Swedish language test (reading, listening, writing, speaking) expected by October 2027. Levels: B1 reading/listening, A2 writing/speaking.
“Den som ska ta provet kallas av Migrationsverket. Det är inte möjligt att registrera sig för provet på eget initiativ.”— UHR / Migrationsverket, May 2026
Exemptions may be granted for permanent illness or disability. Applications for exemption are submitted to Migrationsverket.
5. Dual citizenship
Sweden permits dual (and multiple) citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current citizenship to become a Swedish citizen.
Important: Your home country determines whether you can keep their citizenship. Many countries (e.g. China, India, Austria) require you to deregister from their citizenship register. Check with your home country's embassy in Sweden.
Not sure if you qualify?
Use the eligibility checker for a quick assessment, or consult an immigration lawyer for a thorough review of your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to live in Sweden to get citizenship?
From 6 June 2026, the standard requirement is 8 years. Exceptions: spouse/partner of a Swedish citizen for 5+ years needs 7 years; refugees 7 years; stateless persons 5 years; Nordic citizens 2 years.
How much income do you need to qualify?
SEK 20,850/month gross (SEK 250,200/year), based on three times the 2026 income base amount (SEK 83,400). The amount adjusts if the base amount changes.
Does self-employment or freelance income count?
Yes, if the income is stable and documented. You must not have received social assistance for more than 6 months in total in the last 3 years.
Can you have dual citizenship in Sweden?
Sweden allows dual citizenship. But check whether your home country allows it — many countries require you to renounce their citizenship.
How does a past conviction affect my application?
It depends on the nature of the offence, the sentence, and how long ago it was. An immigration lawyer can give you an accurate assessment for your specific situation.
Related pages
How to apply for Swedish citizenship →Pending application – what happens on 6 June? →Check your eligibility →The information on this page is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Rules may change — always verify with Migrationsverket or a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.